GTG Abroad is a comprehensive travel resource for discerning study abroad students dedicated to enhancing their semesters overseas.
Founded by Amy Aberman and Hollie Levy in Fall 2023, these long time friends were struck with the idea to create GTG Abroad after experiencing the challenges of planning semesters abroad with their college-age children. As they helped their kids navigate everything from packing lists to itineraries for weekend trips overseas, they saw the need for a centralized resource. This led them to gather and organize the countless crowdsourced recommendations they encountered, bringing everything together in one convenient platform.
GTG Abroad removes the guesswork so a student booking a last minute trip to Mallorca with their new pals doesn’t need to stress about planning a single thing – all of the hidden gems/must-sees and recommended restaurants are in one place, with links to make reservations right from the site. Most recently, they launched their “GTG Elite Member Portal” for $50/semester, providing access to even more exclusive content – including over $1,200 in discounts and codes from places like Viator, local restaurants in dozens of cities, and so much more.
For more on GTG Abroad and to access their free itineraries, visit: gtgabroad.com or follow along on Instagram and TikTok @gtgabroad.
What inspired you to launch GTG Abroad?
We were inspired to launch GTG Abroad in 2023 after observing the challenges our children faced while studying abroad. Our kids, Izzy in Milan and Sam in Barcelona, frequently traveled on weekends but lacked organized, reliable information to plan their trips effectively. Recognizing a gap in resources tailored for American students studying abroad, we decided to take matters into our own hands and create a platform that offers curated, student-sourced recommendations to simplify travel planning. This led to the creation of GTG Abroad, our “baby”, a website providing tailored recommendations, weekend itineraries, and more, all sourced from fellow students and trusted recommenders.
What sets GTG Abroad apart from other study abroad services?
Unlike traditional travel platforms, GTG Abroad curates its content directly from students who have recently studied abroad. This ensures up-to-date, relevant, and student-friendly recommendations. GTG Abroad simplifies the research process by consolidating essential travel information in one place, making it easier for students to maximize their time abroad.
What have been the biggest challenges in growing GTG Abroad?
We initially launched with guides for eight European cities, and have rapidly expanded to over 50 cities across Europe and Australia. This swift growth necessitates continuous content updates to ensure information remains current and relevant. To maintain the platform’s authenticity, we’ve been relying on student ambassadors to provide firsthand insights and recommendations. Coordinating with these ambassadors to gather accurate and timely information while abroad requires constant communication!
What’s next for GTG Abroad? Are there any exciting expansions, collaborations, or innovations on the horizon? Tell us about the Elite portal
We recently introduced the “GTG Elite Member Portal” ($29.99-$49.99 per semester), which is a subscription-based platform that offers members exclusive features, including access to over $1,200 in discounts across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Members can also create personalized favorites lists and share recommendations with fellow Elite members.
Looking ahead, we aim to expand the Elite Member Portal by forming partnerships with popular venues and services frequented by students abroad. Additionally, our team is always focused on increasing our social media presence and ambassador network across U.S. universities to become the go-to resource for students planning to study abroad.
